When Multicultural Literature Meets Multicultural Education: Critical Analysis of Current Award-Winning Multicultural Books

• In Event: Roundtable Session 96
  In Roundtable Session: Multicultural/Multiethnic Education: Cultural Perspectives

Abstract

This paper reports an analysis of current award-winning multicultural picture books by focusing on the relationship between multicultural literature and multicultural education in the United States. The findings suggest that the contemporary multicultural books well reflect the characteristics of multicultural education by valuing the cultural difference and uniqueness of single ethnic group. However, the focus on historical themes and stereotypic images of certain ethnic groups in the books provide a limited view of complexities and diversities of the groups in the United States society.

Authors

• Claudia Haag, Texas Woman's University

• Anne Marie Simpson, Texas Woman's University

• Bogum Yoon, Binghamton University - SUNY